Nasarawa United missed the opportunity to return to the summit of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after playing out a 1-1 draw with visiting Enyimba FC in their Matchday 23 encounter on Wednesday at the Lafia City Stadium.

 

The Solid Miners dropped two crucial points after squandering several scoring opportunities, including a first-half penalty miss by Sam Pam, despite dominating large spells of the contest.

 

Buoyed by back-to-back league victories heading into the fixture, Nasarawa United dictated the tempo from the onset and were unlucky not to go into the break ahead. Youngsters Benjamin Jack and Habibu Alakija both rattled the woodwork, while Pam fired his spot kick wide in the 44th minute after Jofrank Istifanus was fouled in the box, leaving the scores level at 0-0 at halftime.

 

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 69th minute when Istifanus produced a moment of brilliance, finishing with a deft backheel to register his third league goal of the season and ignite celebrations among the home fans.

 

However, the joy was short-lived as nine-time champions Enyimba responded almost immediately. A controversial penalty awarded in the 71st minute by referee Rabiu Ahmed handed the Aba side a lifeline, which Kalu Nweke calmly converted to restore parity and silence the Lafia crowd.

 

The draw leaves Nasarawa United second on the league table with 39 points, two points behind leaders Rivers United, who still have two games in hand. Enyimba, meanwhile, remain 12th with 28 points.

 

Despite the setback, head coach Mangut Mbwas expressed optimism ahead of the team’s next fixture, insisting the Solid Miners would quickly regroup.

 

“We will refocus and prepare properly for our next challenge against Wikki Tourists,” Mbwas said.

 

Nasarawa United will face 13th-placed Wikki Tourists, who have 27 points, in their Matchday 24 clash scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.